Strong case for harnessing space solar power presented in ground-breaking book

HOUSTON, January 15, 2014 – One of the foremost experts in the field, John C. Mankins, presents his latest research in The Case for Space Solar Power, now available in print format at virginiaedition.com/sciencedeck and e-book format on Amazon.com.

THE CASE FOR SPACE SOLAR POWER recounts the history of the space solar power concept and summarizes the many different ways in which it might be accomplished.

Specifically, the book describes in detail a highly promising concept – SPS-ALPHA (Solar Power Satellite by means of Arbitrarily Large Phased Array) – and presents a business case comprising applications in space and markets on Earth. It is possible to begin now with technologies that are already at hand, while developing the more advanced technologies that will be needed to deliver power economically to markets on Earth.

The Case for Space Solar Power lays out a path forward that is both achievable and affordable. Within a dozen years, the first multi-megawatt solar pilot plant could be in operation. Getting started could cost less than $10 million over the first 2 years, less than $100 million over the next half dozen years.

Given that space solar power can transform our future in space, and provide a new source of virtually limitless and sustainable energy to markets across the world, the book poses the question, “Why wouldn’t we pursue space solar power?”

Robert Heinlein is the most enduring and influential American writer of speculative fiction. He published over one hundred novels, short stories, and articles, and won six Hugo awards. His work has been adapted into four movies and five television series and currently has options out on multiple other works. Over twenty years after his death, most of his books are still in print in many languages, and his influence can be clearly seen in the writings of many important authors writing today. The Virginia Edition Publishing Company seeks to broaden Heinlein’s enduring literary legacy. The company was named after Robert’s wife, Virginia, in recognition of the integral role she played in his work. Without her contribution, Heinlein’s work would not have been as rich, nuanced, or prolific as it was.